Mesa Public Schools board approves reorganization that eliminates five assistant superintendent posts, creates two chief roles

Mesa Public Schools' Governing Board on Aug. 14 approved a personnel request to eliminate five assistant superintendent positions and create two chief-level posts — chief of academics and chief of schools — as part of a district reorganization aimed at reducing central office staffing and saving money ahead of the 2026–27 school year.

Superintendent Dr. Straum told the board the redesign is intended to “streamline and become more efficient” so that school-based staff can focus on students as the district faces declining enrollment and budget pressure. “We do anticipate having a 9 to $18,000,000 budget shortfall heading in into 2627,” Dr. Straum said during the board’s study session presentation.

The reorganization will reduce district-office full‑time equivalents (FTE) roughly from 147 to 104 — a reduction the administration described as approximately 40 FTE — and estimated to save about $2.5 million to $3.5 million annually from the district office redesign alone. The district also expects additional savings from other measures and from natural attrition at schools.

Why it matters: Mesa Public Schools projects continuing enrollment declines through 2028 that will reduce state funding tied to student counts. The district forecasted a three‑year enrollment drop of…